Caption: Neuron (elongated cell) and astrocyte (round cell) from the central nervous system growing on a glial-fibroblast matrix in culture, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Neurons are (also known as nerve cells) are cells of the nervous system that are specialized to carry messages through an electrochemical process. Astrocytes (also known as astroglia) are a type of neuroglial cell that provides support functions in the central nervous tissue and spinal cord. They perform a variety of tasks, from axon guidance and synaptic support, to the control of the blood brain barrier and blood flow. Magnification: x590 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.